By NewsDesk  @infectiousdiseasenews

The COVID-19 outbreak in Pakistan increased by 3,039 new cases and 88 deaths in the last 24 hours, bringing the country totals to 69,496 cases and 1483 deaths through Sunday.

Image/CIA

The most affected province due to COVID-19 pandemic is Sindh 27,360, followed by Punjab 25,056.

78% of the total positive cases are men while 22% are females.

The Government of Pakistan declared wearing of masks mandatory at crowded places, markets and in public transport.

In addition to COVID-19 and other infectious disease outbreaks in Pakistan, officials are reporting an invasion of locusts which has hit 61 districts across the country posing a threat to food security since last month.

Worst hit provinces include Balochistan (31 districts), 12 districts in Punjab, 11 districts in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and 7 districts in Sindh.

Locusts could cause a loss of more than Rs500 billion to the agricultural economy if not controlled, warned farmers lobbying group Sindh Abadgar Board (SAB).

The National Disaster Management Authority said resources were being mobilized and operations were underway to curb the locust invasion.

In a statement, it said 1,150 teams of experts have expanded operations by spraying swarms of desert locusts in 61 districts across the country. Arrangements were also being made to combat another possible attack of desert locusts expected in July and August.